1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1961 MG MGA
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1961 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1961 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 MG MGA weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1961 MG MGA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG MGA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1961 MG MGA | |
| Make | Fiat | MG |
| Model | Ritmo | MGA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2390 mm |
